From traditional makeup to contemporary makeup art techniques: An analysis through stage performances (The example of Hürrem Sultan, Türkan Şoray and Turkish Delight)

This study aims to examine the transformation of makeup practices from traditional applications to contemporary makeup art, within the context of stage representations, focusing on aesthetic, historical, and cultural dimensions. The research analyzes and compares the makeup techniques, materials, color aesthetics, and modes of representation of three iconic figures in Turkey's cultural memory: Hürrem Sultan, Türkan Şoray, and the character of Turkish Delight. The study reveals that makeup is not merely an individual aesthetic choice but a multilayered form of representation embedded in gender roles, cultural codes, and ideological structures of each period. While Hürrem Sultan reflects a traditional and natural aesthetic approach, Türkan Şoray exemplifies the dramatic yet elegant makeup style of Yeşilçam cinema, and Turkish Delight illustrates a postmodern aesthetic informed by digital identity and gender performance through exaggerated and politically charge The research adopts a qualitative methodology based on thematic analysis and utilizes document analysis techniques to examine written, visual, and digital materials. The findings are structured under seven main themes: Aesthetics and Color, Makeup Techniques, Representation, Historicity, Narrative Connection, Symbolism, and the Traditional–Contemporary Dichotomy. The results demonstrate that throughout history, makeup has served not only as a cosmetic practice but also as a transformative medium for expressing personal identity, cultural belonging, social norms, and artistic narrative. In stage arts, makeup contributes to character creation; in cinema and media, it shapes female representation; and in the digital era, it becomes a multilayered narrative form where identity is re-constructed through aesthetics. Therefore, this study highlights the cultural significance of makeup and contributes to the fields of visual culture, art, media, and gender studies. Keywords: Traditional Makeup, Contemporay Makeup, Hürrem Sultan Makeup, Türkan Şoray Makeup, Turkish Delight Makeup.